G20 security geek Byron Sonne found not guilty on all charges

Nearly two years after Toronto police arrested Byron Sonne during a pre-G20 security sweep, the so-called “Anarchist of Forest Hill” has been found not guilty. Today, Sonne was acquitted on all five charges: four counts of possessing explosive materials and one count of counselling mischief for allegedly encouraging others to scale the G20 security fence. The Crown focused on Sonne’s interest in explosives (police found chemicals that could be used for bomb-building in his basement and backyard, online pics of officers labelled as “bacon” and photos of the security fence with suggestions on how to scale it—plus some almond flour) and argued he planned to attack the summit. Ultimately, Justice Nancy Spies ruled that there wasn’t proof beyond reasonable doubt that Sonne intended to take down the G20, though she said that some of his Internet chatter, while not “illegal,” could be considered “irresponsible.” Perhaps Sonne should stick to a different hobby (but not model rocketry). [Canadian Press]